Laynce Nix designated for assignment; Darin Ruf in right

Matt Gelb

The Phillies have said they are committed to using the final two months of 2013 to evaluate players for 2014. They made three decisions Tuesday that jibe with that philosophy.

Domonic Brown was activated from the disabled list a day early, which set in motion various moves in the outfield. First, Laynce Nix was designated for assignment to clear space. And Darin Ruf will play right field Tuesday for the first time in his career.

Nix signed a two-year, $2.5 million deal before the 2012 season. It was not productive. The 32-year-old outfielder had never signed a guaranteed major-league deal before the Phillies came calling.

He hit .211 with a .601 OPS in 151 games. He was sparingly used. He hit .091 (4 for 44) in his final 28 games as a Phillie.

Coincidentally, the man the Phillies jettisoned last winter to keep Nix — Nate Schierholtz — is at Citizens Bank Park with the Cubs. Schierholtz has 14 homers with a .827 OPS for Chicago. He is making $2.25 million this season.

Brown is returning from a concussion, although the Phillies originally stated he would play for double-A Reading on Tuesday before being activated Wednesday. He has extensive experience in right field — including 102 starts in the majors and 330 minor-league games there — but he will play left field. Brown's arm is best suited for right.

Ruf, a converted first baseman, has struggled with an adaptation to left field. He has never played right.